Anderson assumes command of Fargo-based brigade

Courtesy Photo | Col. Jerry Anderson, of Bismarck, N.D., recently assumed command of the North Dakota National Guard's 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade in Fargo. He serves full-time as the National Guard's state Army aviation officer in Bismarck.  

FARGO, ND, UNITED STATES

11.22.2013

Courtesy Story

North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs

FARGO, N.D. — North Dakota’s state Army Aviation officer now also leads the North Dakota Army National Guard’s largest unit. Col. Jerry Anderson, of Bismarck, N.D., recently assumed command of the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade.

Anderson replaces Col. Giselle “Gigi” Wilz, also of Bismarck, who served in the role since Sept. 15, 2012. Wilz, a native of Richardton, N.D., works full time as the Army chief of staff for the North Dakota National Guard.

“Leading the MEB was an incredible experience, and it’s bittersweet to leave the brigade,” she said. “There is nothing more gratifying than commanding, regardless of the level, because it provides the opportunity to have a positive impact on soldiers every day. It was also an opportunity to see firsthand the talented soldiers we have throughout the brigade.”

The Fargo-based brigade serves as the command and control headquarters for units across the eastern half of the state.

Anderson, whose full-time role is at the Guard’s Army Aviation Support Facility in Bismarck, was commissioned as a Marine Corps officer in 1991. He later enlisted in the North Dakota Army National Guard, serving in a traditional National Guard status as an operations officer, company commander, battalion commander and assistant brigade operations officer. His dual role as a full-time guardsman has included assignments as the deputy director of personnel and chief of Army aviation. During a 2009-10 deployment to Kosovo, he served as the brigade’s deputy operations officer.

“It is an honor to be taking command of such an outstanding group of soldiers in the North Dakota Army National Guard,” he said. “It is also truly special to take over from such a great soldier and leader, Col. Wilz. She has left me with some big shoes to fill, and I look forward to this opportunity.”

The Williston native earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice studies from the University of North Dakota. He also has completed the Naval/Marine Aviator Course and Command and General Staff College as well as numerous professional courses.

• Date Taken: 11.22.2013
• Date Posted: 11.22.2013 20:54
• Story ID: 117273
• Location: FARGO, ND, US
• Hometown: RICHARDTON, ND, US